Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods to produce various desired patterns (e.g., coils) via an electrospinning process where such desired patterns possess certain desired properties (e.g., desired electrical properties). In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for producing coiled fiber patterns at a rate of one turn of the coil in a set time period (e.g., about one microsecond). In another embodiment, the present invention relates to methods to produce “resonator structures” that are the basic element of artificial dielectrics. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to methods to produce coils with various specified diameters (e.g., about 10 microns) which can, among other things, enable the production of repeating patterns in a wallpaper-like array. In still yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to methods to hierarchical structures that offer mechanical support for various nanofibers.

Abstract: The present invention includes embodiments that generally relate to methods and devices for control of electrospinning processes. Some embodiments include constant current electrospinning jets. Other embodiments include pressure control using a system of valves in fluid communication with the electrospinning fluid. Still other embodiments include control of one or more physical parameters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to structures that contain one or more fiber and/or nanofiber structures where such structures can be formed on a wide variety of structures or surfaces (e.g., asperities, flat surfaces, angled surface, hierarchical structures, etc.). In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for forming one or more fibers, nanofibers or structures made therefrom on a wide variety of structures or surfaces (e.g., asperities, flat surfaces, angled surface, hierarchical structures, etc.). In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for forming one or more fibers, nanofibers or structures made therefrom on a wide variety of structures or surfaces (e.g., asperities, flat surfaces, angled surface, hierarchical structures, etc.) where such fibers and/or structures are designed to sequester, carry and/or encapsulate one or more substances.

Abstract: Methods and compositions containing a phorbol ester or a derivative of a phorbol ester are provided for the treatment of cytopathic diseases. Cytopathic diseases may be caused by a variety means such as viral infections like HIV and AIDS, or the development of neoplasms in a mammalian subject. The methods and compositions of the invention are effective for inhibiting de novo HIV infections upregulating viral expression from latent provirus, inhibiting HIV-induced cytopathic effects, down regulating the HIV receptor, increasing Th1 cytokine expression, decreasing Th2 cytokine expression, increasing ERK phosphorylation, inducing apoptosis in malignant cells, inducing remission, maintaining remission, as chemotherapeutic agents, as well as for decreasing symptoms of cytopathic diseases and opportunistic infections that may accompany such diseases.

Abstract: System and method for manufacturing contact. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing integrated circuits. The method includes a step for providing a semiconductor substrate. The method also includes a step for defining a plurality of contact regions on the semiconductor substrate. The method further includes a step for forming a plurality of dielectric structures on the plurality of contact regions. Additionally, the method includes a step for forming a plurality of openings on the semiconductor substrate. For example, each of the openings is characterized by at least a depth, a width, and an aspect ratio. Furthermore, the method includes a step for performing deposition within the openings using a first type of material, which includes a titanium material. The method additionally includes a step for performing annealing at a predetermined set of conditions.

Abstract: The present application provides a biodegradable polyurethane elastomer comprising soft segments A and B, and hard segment C, wherein: the segment A is formed from poly(&bgr;-hydroxybutyrate) diol and optional one or more components selected from the group consisting of poly(lactic acid)diol, polyglycolide diol, polylactide diol, polycaprolactone(PCL) diol and poly(lactic/glycolic acid) diol; the segment B is formed from polyethylene glycol; the segment C is formed from one or more diisocyanate selected from the group consisting of 1,6-hexamthylene diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate and lysine diisocyanate; and the molar ratio of these segments are: (A+B)/C=0.8 to 1.2; A/B=0.1 to 10; and the amount of the poly-&bgr;-hydroxybutyrate units in the segment A is 10-100 mol %.

Abstract: A photoacoustic spectrometer cell includes a specimen chamber having a specimen port, an optical window in optical communication with the chamber, a microphone in acoustic communication with the chamber, and a push-on closure for closing the port. At least one of the closure and the port have a groove adapted to relieve pressure in the chamber during closing.

Abstract: Phorbol esters and particularly phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (TPA) are described as effective in treating patients with neoplastic diseases such as leukemia as well as in increasing the white blood cell count.